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Representatives from the five major NCAA Division I college conferences voted Saturday to adjust the scholarship model to include the full cost of attendance. In addition to room, board, tuition, books and fees, schools now can cover incidental costs, including travel and personal expenses.

The change has been anticipated since August when the NCAA board of directors voted to allow regulatory autonomy to the Power Five Conferences, the Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, Pacific 12, Big 12 and Big Ten.

On Saturday, a representative from each of the 65 Power Five institutions convened on Washington, D.C. for the first autonomy business session. Clemson University baseball player Patrick Andrews was one of fifteen current athletes who served on the inaugural student panel.

The proposal to redefine the athletic scholarship passed by a vote of 79-to-1. ACC member Boston College cast the lone dissenting vote, according to a record provided by the NCAA. According to Steve Berkowitz of USA TODAY, Boston College released a statement Saturday night, citing concerns that the new legislation would raise expenses that ultimately could jeopardize the sustainability of some programs.

"The consequence of such legislation could ultimately hurt student-athletes if/when programs are cut," the statement read. "This legislation further segregates student-athletes from the general student population by increasing aid without need-based consideration."

Despite Boston College's concerns, the new scholarship model will take effect on Aug. 1. Schools must determine the cost of attendance for athletes by the same federal guidelines used to determine cost of attendance for all students. Yet, the U.S. Department of Education authorizes financial aid officers to use their professional judgment to assess the cost of attendance on a case-by-case basis.

ACC senior associate commissioner for internal affairs Brad Hostetter explained to Berkowitz that, under the new scholarship model, schools essentially can award each athlete a stipend based on an estimate of a typical student's transportation and personal expense costs. Hostetter said if the athlete's actual transportation and personal expenses amount to less than the stipend, the athlete can keep the difference.

The Southeastern Conference submitted a proposal to require schools to report uncommon expenses for any athlete, but that proposal was voted down Saturday.

The schools and student panel also passed a proposal to prohibit coaches from revoking or reducing a scholarship based on athletic performance. Currently, most athletic scholarships must be renewed each year, at the full discretion of coaches. Now, scholarships essentially are guaranteed for four years.

The committee also passed proposals allowing athletes to borrow against projected future earnings. This protects players if an injury results in a loss of value from a professional contract. Other approved proposals include a new concussion protocol and a pledge to adjust and regulate time restrictions.

Additionally Saturday, University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides was named chairman of the Division I Board of Directors.